Ken Rice was a two-time All-American lineman, making two All-America squads in 1959, then becoming a consensus All-American in 1960. He was voted the SEC's best offensive lineman as a junior and senior, and was named the league's top defensive lineman as a senior. He was also named to the SEC's All-Sophomore team as a tackle despite playing behind All-SEC selection Cleve Wester in 1958. Rice, a first-round draft pick by both the AFL and NFL, was an All-Pro in his rookie year with the Buffalo Bills.